Article
Amazing Actinomycetes
by Dr Ash Martin PhD BSc(For)Hons
Actinomycetes are bacteria that in many ways look like fungi. “Actinomycetes” is derived from two Greek words: aktis meaning “ray” or “spoke”; and, mykes meaning “fungus”, and they were originally classified as an intermediate group of microbes in between fungi and bacteria. Actinomycetes produce mycelium, and many reproduce by sporulation like filamentous fungi. They are the most abundant filament producing organisms in the soil and are responsible for characteristically “earthy” smell of healthy soil after it rains or is turned. They play major roles in residue breakdown, nutrient cycling and soilborne disease suppression. In composting, they contribute to the breakdown of woody and stiff plant materials and in the formation of humus, and can degrade many complex carbon compounds including hydrocarbon pollutants. Actinomycetes are among the most versatile of soil microbes and make an important contribution to the health functioning of soils, and the formation of compost.
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